Nozzle Cap Antenna Cover Layout for Impact Protection and Signal Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nozzle caps in fire hydrants with wireless transmission capabilities are prone to damage from impacts and interference due to their metal composition, which affects signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle cap design featuring antenna printed circuit boards (PCBs) positioned within scallops in the circumferential wall, secured by antenna covers and sealed with potting material to protect against impacts and interference, allowing for improved signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nozzle cap is made of metal, then the strength and durability of the cap body is improved, but the metal composition interferes with wireless signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle cap is divided into two distinct parts: a metal cap body providing structural strength and a non-metallic antenna cover providing signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its primary function without compromise - the metal body offers durability while the non-metallic cover enables wireless communication without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna cover is extracted as a separate component from the metal cap body. By removing the antenna-containing portion from the metal structure and housing it in a dedicated non-metallic cover, the patent eliminates the signal interference problem while preserving the structural integrity of the main cap body
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle cap contains delicate wireless electronics, then the capability to wirelessly transmit data is improved, but the electronics are easily damaged by impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna cover is designed to extend beyond the outer surface of the cap body, creating a protruding protective structure. This beforehand cushioning approach positions the cover as a first line of defense that absorbs and dissipates impact forces before they reach the delicate wireless electronics housed within, preventing damage while maintaining wireless transmission capability
3Reliability
If the antenna cover extends beyond the outer wall surface, then the protection of electronics from impacts is improved, but the overall size and complexity of the nozzle cap increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective shield for the wireless electronics, provides a mounting surface for the antenna, and maintains the structural integrity of the nozzle cap assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a nozzle cap, the method including attaching an antenna printed circuit board (“PCB”) strip to an inner cover surface of an antenna cover; and inserting the antenna cover into a scallop defined by a circumferential wall of a cap body to position the antenna PCB strip between the antenna cover and the circumferential wall, the circumferential wall defining an outer wall surface, the antenna cover covering the scallop, the scallop extending radially inward into the circumferential wall relative to a first portion and a second portion of the outer wall surface, the scallop circumferentially positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the outer wall surface.